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Lockdown in Boston

By Jen Scott, April 19, 2013

This morning I looked out the window and noticed the giant oak tree finally bloomed overnight. I was so excited to get the day started and go on a nature adventure with my two children, ages five and two. Itâ€™s spring break for the public schools here in Massachusetts, so Iâ€™ve been trying to figure out how to keep my son entertained during his week away from school.

As the kids and I were starting our day, I noticed I had a lot of Facebook notifications. Since itâ€™s not my birthday today, I knew something had to be up. A lot of friends were checking in to make sure that we were safe and away from the areas around Boston that are currently under siege. Thankfully we arenâ€™t in the thick of it, but not so far away that itâ€™s worth risking the safety of my children. Nature walk cancelled due to suspected terrorist.

Since my children are so young, Iâ€™ve been sneaking online to get updates. I havenâ€™t had the news on at all since the first incident. I canâ€™t shield them from reality for too much longer, but while I can, I will.

Despite the weather being warm and inviting, the streets are empty. Weâ€™re on our second episode of Max and Ruby. I think Sesame Street is next on my list. My daughter is wearing her special princess costume, and my son and I are snuggling on the couch in our pajamas even though itâ€™s almost three in the afternoon. Itâ€™s not how I wanted the day to go, but weâ€™re safe, weâ€™re together, and my childrenâ€™s blissful ignorance is blessedly intact.

Iâ€™m the mom of two energetic, happy, and delightful children. We currently live on the outskirts of Boston, where we enjoy exploring the many parks and playgrounds found in and around our neighborhood. I love to read and hope to instill that love in my children by making frequent trips to the library. I also knit in my spare time, but with two young children, spare time is a rarity. Thatâ€™s why I have 3 unfinished scarves and a barely started blanket in my closet.